High-performing Corporate centre

A high-performing Corporate centre will reduce costs, improve services and improve organisational performance. We were asked to review the current support service arrangements for a large government agency and provide advice on how to reduce significant cost increases in the future. Working with a former Chief Executive, we identified the key to long-term financial sustainability was around strengthening and resetting Corporate operations.

We found the characteristics of high-performing Corporate centres (see this) were:

1.     A clearly defined role, services and Operating model:

• Clearly defined role
• Shared understanding of services and standards
• Support for alternative providers where services are not provided
• Clear Operating model
• Use of Business partners.

 2.     Effective governance:

• Cross-agency Governance group
• Clear decision rights and a meaningful governance role.

 3.     Well-structured processes:

• Agreeing and prioritising services, setting budgets and charges, and managing charges and reviewing performance.

 4.     Working in partnership:

• Active engagement and a strategic, all-of-agency approach
• Mutual respect, understanding and acceptance
• Partnership behaviours and Executive team support.